Created by David Meyers, Taylor Gregory and Rory Leland, Michael Bloomstein (Meyers) wants to write his life story for a major Hollywood studio – but he has no connections or money. Will Tinseltown crush his dreams? Or will the unyielding optimism of Michael Bloomstein help turn Hollywood into Bloomywood. Also starring: Krishna Smitha, Colleen Doyle and Richard Kind.
Trying to make it in Hollywood is undoubtedly one of the classic storylines of film and television, we all love to watch the struggle and find out whether they’ll find redemption in success or choose love over fame and fortune. Bloomywood is much more about the journey than the destination, it’s an appropriately awkward and blunt mockumentary about the experience of trying to sell a script. It has a fantastic pace, it dives right in and doesn’t slow down at all throughout its entirety, which adds a great patter to the dialogue. The comedy is strong, it comes through conversationally and naturally, hitting a slightly biting note.
The directorial style feeds right into the shows it takes influence from like Curb Your Enthusiasm, following in an almost too close-up way that helps add some realism and an earnest edge. There’s no room to escape or hide so it gives the feeling of honesty, which matches its style of comedy very well. It similarly has a score which throws back to the bouncy, positive and chirpy examples you often find in mockumentary and while it does work, its constant presence can be slightly distracting and may be something they could have pulled back on slightly.
David Meyers (who recently won a Best Actor award at First Glance Film Festival) gives a great performance as Michael, he has a frantic energy to him with the edge of desperation that so nicely brings through a relatable awkwardness. His comedic delivery is perfectly timed and toned, he’s extremely convincing and he gives a sympathetic edge to the character. Colleen Doyle matches his timing equally, she brings a brilliant harshness and impolite truth. Her performance is utterly frank, she also captures that inflated ego that comes with semi-success and a patronising edge. The two of them work extremely well together.
Bloomywood is funny, relatable and fast paced. It brings an ever so slightly warped version of a realistic situation which fits perfectly with its mockumentary style. It feels reminiscent of those that have come before it but still has a new enough feel to it. Meyers has a wonderful comedic timing and sympathetic edge which pairs superbly with Doyle’s harsh tongued performance. It’s only a few minutes but it manages to make a memorable impression.
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